The Weekly Newsletter from Niddrie Primary School,

Watt Street Niddrie 3042

PHONE 9379 6587 Website: www.niddrieps.vic.edu.au
FAX 9379 9946 Email: niddrie.ps@edumail.vic.gov.au
Principal: Greg Peters School Council President: Leonie Slavin
DATE: 12/2/2009
DATES TO REMEMBER School Photos
This year’s school photos will be taken by
Mon 16th February School Council 7:30pm Advanced Photographers. The date we have booked
is Mon 23rd March. We hope as many children as
Wed 18th February Prep assessment
possible can wear their school uniforms on this day,
Wed 25th February Prep assessment as well as an impressive smile!
Mon 9th March LABOUR DAY HOLIDAY Loss of Valuables and Accidents
Mon 23rd March School Photos A reminder to parents that we discourage children
Tues 24th March Grade 5/6 camp begins
from bringing any items of value to school.
Precious belongings can easily be lost or damaged
Fri 27th March Grade 5/6 camp ends at school causing much unnecessary anxiety to the
Fri 3rd April Term 1 ends; 2:30pm dismissal young owner. The school is not covered for such
Term Dates loss.
2009 Similarly, should children injure themselves at
Term 1: Mon 2nd February to Friday 3rd April school, any costs incurred are not covered by the
Term 2: Mon 20th April to Fri 26th June (12th June will be a school or Department.
student free day)
Term 3: Mon 13th July to Fri 18th September Sun Smart Policy
Term 4: Mon 5th October to Fri 18th December All parents are reminded that the wearing of hats is
Dear Parents, compulsory during Terms 1 and 4. When students
are outside during the school day, they must be
School Council wearing a wide brimmed or legionnaire hat. Hats
What is a school council and what does it do? may be any colour.
All government schools in Victoria have a school council. Children without a hat will be asked to stay in the
They are legally formed bodies that are given powers to set shade during recess and lunchtimes and will not be
the key directions of a school within centrally provided
guidelines. In doing this, a school council is able to directly
allowed to play inter-school sport.
influence the quality of education that the school provides for Please support the teachers in the implementation of
its students. this policy and remember that it is in the best
Do I need special experience to be on school council? interests of your children to be appropriately
No. What you do need is an interest in your child’s school and protected from harmful UV rays.
the desire to work in partnership with others to help shape the
school’s future.
School Council vacancies exist for both parent and
teacher representatives. Should you be interested in
becoming part of this year’s School Council please
see Greg for a nomination form. School Council
meets on a monthly basis. The next meeting of
School Council is scheduled for Monday 16th
February at 7:30pm in the staffroom.
 Friday 13th12th
Thursday Vynna Kirifi

Thanks,
Gail
Before and After School Care
The YMCA offer both Before and After School
Care for students. The program commenced on
Wednesday in the multi-purpose room. For your
information, this program operates each school day
from 7.30am until 8.45am and then after school
from 3.30pm until 6.00pm. The program is run by
the YMCA and offers a large range of interesting
activities for children. Forms are available from the
multi-purpose room or office or you can call
0425788434 for further information.
Information on the Education Maintenance
Allowance for the school newsletter
The Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) is
provided to assist eligible families with the costs
associated with the education of their children.
To be eligible for receipt of the EMA you must:
be either a parent or guardian of a primary or
secondary school student up to the age of sixteen;
and be an eligible beneficiary of a Centrelink Munchkin land
pension, allowance or benefit within the meaning of Affordable and flexible hourly rates for occasional
the State Concessions Act 2004 or be a Veterans child care.
A fun and exciting environment for children
Affairs (TPI) pensioner or be a foster parent.
between the age of 6 weeks and 12 years.
Consequently parents/guardians are able to access Highpoint Shopping Centre, Maribyrnong
the EMA if they have a current Health Care Card or (Near Myer. Between Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf &
Pension Card. H&R Block)Phone (03) 9317 4442
The eligibility criteria must be met as at the first www.munchkinland.info
day of Term 1 (28 January 2009 which is the first
day for teaching staff) and Term 3 (13 July 2009).
The EMA application must be submitted to the
school by 21 February 2009.
Application forms are available from the school Doutta Stars
office. Please note: you must fill in a new Junior Football Club
application form at the beginning of each school The Doutta Stars Junior Football Club is seeking new and
existing players to register for the 2009 season.
year. We have vacancies in all age groups from Under 10’s to Under
Niddrie P.S. Fee Structure 2009 16’s and we cater for all skill levels.
Registration Day 2009
The Fee Structure for 2009 is: Sunday 22nd February
$60.00 Book Fee + $15.00 Computer Subject 11.00am - 2.00pm
At Buckley Park -
Contribution = $75.00 Cooper Street, Essendon
We are also providing parents with the opportunity Melway: Map 28, C1
Registration Fees 2009
to pay a $25.00 VOLUNTARY Contribution Fee. Single: $210.00, Family $350.00
School Council have ‘capped’ this Fee Structure at (all inclusive, no hidden fees)
Come and see us on Feb 22nd, and register for the upcoming
$175.00 per family. Fees should be paid by the footy
end of February 2009. season.
Nurturing fun and fairness in
Kind Regards, junior footy -
Greg Success is just a bonus
For further details contact:
John Donnini - 0418 362 339
Lindsay Foster - 9379 6558
CANTEEN ROSTER
th
Monday 9 Feb
Tuesday 10th Berris GLENBERVIE TENNIS CLUB
Wednesday 11th Fiona Oldfield
MONDAY 9 FEBRUARY – FRIDAY 13 MARCH 2009
Tennis Victoria invites you to take part in our Mums’ Tennis Program which
is conducted by Tennis Australia endorsed tennis coaches.
This program is open to all players of all standards from absolute beginners
through to those who have played tennis previously and would like to get
back into the game. Tennis Victoria is promoting the fun, fitness and health
benefits of tennis in a non-competitive environment.
OUTLINE OF THE MUMS TENNIS PROGRAM
• Conducted by qualified coaches at local tennis clubs
• Great for health, fitness and fun
• Meet and socialise with other mothers in your area
• All tennis racquets and tennis balls supplied
• Total cost of the program is only $15 for 5 weeks of group tennis
coaching
Tennis Victoria is also offering you the chance to enroll your child in the
Tiny Tots program which is run in conjunction with the Mums’ Tennis
Program. The program is targeted at children aged 3 – 5 with the concept
allowing mums’ to participate in the game of tennis without the burden of
childcare. The cost for the program is $10 for 5 weeks.
To register your child in the Tiny Tots program please advise your coach
when registering for the Mums’ Tennis program.
To register for the Mums’ Tennis Program at the Glenbervie Tennis
Club please contact local club coach Phillip Conlan on 0412 310 920.
Please book early, as places are limited.
Pedal Party Bike Decorating Competition
22 February 2009 @ Boeing Reserve, Strathmore
Heights Mel Ref: 16:D5
Pedal your way to a fabulous day of environmentally
focused activities and showcase your creative flair by
dressing up your bike and taking part in the Pedal Party
Bike Decorating Competition. There are great prizes to
be won so make sure your creations are as crazy,
colourful and environmentally friendly as possible.
Bring along your bike already decorated or take part in
our FREE bike decorating workshop on the day!
Activities on the day also include:
Bike decorating workshop 11am- 3.30pm!
Australian Wildlife Lectures
• Envirocraft – interactive activities
• Water Watch – check out our water through the
microscope
• Pobblebonk – an exhibition about animals on
the Maribyrnong River
• Natural environment walk and talk tour
• Herb Patten – Australia’s leading gum leaf
blower will perform and hold a free workshop
Other events coming up:
Diversity Rocks at Debneys
Sunday 22 march
Debneys Park, Flemington
Riverview Garden Tea Party
Sunday 29 March
Riverview Tea Gardens, Avondale Heights
Registration forms and inquiries can be downloaded
from mvcc.vic.gov.au, by contacting
pivalley@mvcc.vic.gov.au or calling 9243 8888
Managing Back to School Separation Anxiety
It is very common for children to display separation anxiety at
the beginning of a new school year. The following strategies
can be useful.
• Develop a “goodbye” ritual: Rituals are reassuring,
especially during stressful times. Plan a special way
to say goodbye, such as a wave through the window
or a lipstick kiss stamped on the back of your child’s
hand. You might ask “How shall we say goodbye? A
kiss or a hug? One hug or two?” Giving children
choices in little matters helps them feel that they have
some control over what is happening.
• Prepare the night before: Involve your child in the
packing of lunches and the selection and laying out
of clothes.
• An unhurried, pleasant start to the day is crucial to
successful separations.
• Be reliable and always come back when you say you
will. If for some reason you can’t get back on time,
let the carer/school know, so that they will be able to
tell your child what has happened.
• Your child could keep with them a special object
from home like a special toy or picture. This can be
comforting.
• Present a calm, positive attitude. Sing a favourite
song or talk about what they (or you) will be doing
that day. Explain when and where you will be
picking them up.
• Take time to say goodbye: Leave your child with a
positive picture of what you will do together at the
end of the day.
• Regardless of how tempting it may seem, avoid
sneaking out while your child is distracted. This can
affect trust and could encourage them to cling more
on future occasions.
• Avoid repeated goodbyes: Once you say “I’m leaving
now” and go through the established goodbye rituals,
then go. Stalling can make children more tearful and
clingy.
• Accept and listen to negative feelings: If you or your
child are feeling upset about the separation, reassure
yourself that you have taken all the required steps to
 place them in a safe, nurturing and stimulating -
setting. Telling children that they are too big to cry
or that they are making a fuss over “nothing” only
aggravates their fears and fails to help them
understand their true feelings. Saying, “I know you
are feeling sad. I will miss you too,” is more helpful.

If separation anxiety persists over several weeks alternative

strategies can be provided. Please see your child’s class
teacher to arrange support through the school psychologist if
required.

Located on Chandler Hwy, Kew

(Melway 45B1)
Free Parking off site with shuttle bus
service

Meet Wags the Dog and loads of our

adorable puppies for
Guide Dogs Victoria’s annual Open
Day.

With Guide Dog demonstrations, live

entertainment, giveaways, show
bags, competitions and loads of fun
activities for the kids, Open Day is a
fantastic family day out.
Entry via gold coin donation

Visit www.guidedogsvictoria.com.au
for full details and parking information
or phone 9854 4444

Sorry no pets allowed